B2- Group E - Allison Lock

For my discussion post I read Chapter 6 of BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners by Chuck Eastman. Chapter 6 describes the different uses contractors have for utilizing BIM tools and mentions Eastman’s expectations for how the field can and will be best expanded upon. In terms of the largest takeaway, this chapter, and I suspect the entire book, seeks to inform the reader of how effective BIM software is when applied to integrated design processes. Specifically Chapter 6 focuses on involving contractors early in design, as they offer valuable know how, and to demonstrate how their involvement with allow them to produce better work more efficiently.

Integration of contractors into building design has several key benefits to all involved in the design-construction process. Throughout projects contractors are charged with construction analysis, schedule control, resource ordering and management, cost analysis, offsite fabrication, monitoring of site tracking and activity, and the handover process following construction. They often have to create their own models and if integrated into the design process they will be saved time and effort on this front. With knowledge of model building, materials costs, and project management incorporating contractors from an early time provides designers and engineers with valuable information. In return redundancy is reduced and management of the project can theoretically be done through one system perhaps with the use of add-ons.

Ultimately, Eastman suggests that BIM software will be used throughout entire building processes. During my last coop, I worked on many different sites at which contractors were relying on iPads and other hand held devices to view construction plans as opposed to working with paper sheets. This trend has the potential to be an incredibly effective management and communication technique. Developed BIM systems have the potential to efficiently handle a wide range of scenarios including plan changes, unexpected challenges, or construction mishaps. An example of this was given where BIM software was used to correct incorrect foundation locations on site, during pouring.

Another main focus of the chapter seemed to be to convince all involved in design that integrated design, despite blocking low-bid design-bid-construct processes and having a higher initial cost, is ultimately a time, money, and resource saving process therefore all professionals involves should work towards integrating these technologies into their work. Currently there is no all-encompassing BIM program which can allow from full management of a process from start to finish. However the possibility of a system in which structural, architectural, and mechanical systems could be designed in 3D and then assessed, priced, and managed from has the potential to streamline the construction process of today. I found the idea of such a system impressive, overwhelming, and fascinating.

On a side note some of the technologies in existence today I found very fascinating. Currently design programs are being connected and added on to depending on what types of analyses are desired. However the chapter also discusses different 3D laser scanners which are being used to scan rooms, topography, and buildings from which 3D models are generated. These technologies also have the potential to validate work by comparing scans to computer models. I did not know this technology was currently in use and found it interesting to read about. 

Eastman, Charles M. 2011. BIM Handbook : A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2011. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost), EBSCOhost (accessed January 18, 2016).

I commented on Adrian Kuzniarowicz’s and Karan Sagar Sinha’s posts.